Noise cameras are being introduced in an increasing number of US communities to identify vehicles making excessive noise, with systems combining microphones, cameras, software and sometimes number-plate readers. The technology can generate warnings, support official reviews or lead to fines, raising questions about enforcement, privacy and the expansion of roadside surveillance.

At least 10 US jurisdictions have deployed or tested the systems. New York City operated 12 cameras in 2025, recording 15,994 noise events and issuing 1,691 summonses; muffler violations can cost between $800 and $2,625. UK company Intelligent Instruments, which makes the SoundVue system, is involved in programmes in New York, Knoxville and Miami Beach, although local laws and policies determine whether camera evidence can result in automatic penalties.